Actor Anasuya Bharadwaj shared a long post on social media where she shared her thoughts about the political correctness and social responsibility of films. Anasuya started the long post by saying that the audience is also responsible for understanding the underlying message of films properly, much like how films themselves have a social responsibility. Anasuya wrote, "Cinema has always been a reflection of society.. but I don't believe it should be burdened with the sole responsibility of raising or educating it.. A film.. at its core.. is a work of fiction.. and as individuals.. we all have the ability and the responsibility to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. I don't believe parenting should happen through films.."
At the same time, Anasuya Bharadwaj said that storytellers should never be "let off the hook" in terms of the social values of their films. Arguing that cinema "shapes conversations, influences perceptions and sometimes even inspires behaviour," Anasuya said that the lines between heroism and villainy is blurred in today's films, unlike older films where "audiences understood the moral framework of a story."
Anasuya added that films have more complex characters and more layered narratives nowadays as compared to the past, making "the distinction between glorification and portrayal" unclear on occasion. The actor clarified that she is not asking for moral policing or censorship of films but rather 'consciousness'. According to her, all the stakeholders in cinema, including the makers and the audience, play a part in how its impact is understood.
The actor revealed that she opted out of a show because her perspectives and stands got in the way of its team's creativity and that she has since faced several challenges to discover a platform for her work, although she is "worth it". Adding on, she wrote, "But I have found my calling.. and I will never shy away from what I believe in and stand up for it.."
Reiterating the core theme of her post, Anasuya Bharadwaj shared, "Creative freedom is essential.. Equally essential is the awareness that freedom and responsibility can coexist.." She added that the solution lies between two scenarios: "not expecting films to parent society.. but not pretending they have no influence either."
The actor also expressed her happiness at seeing the greater discourse over political correctness of films. "Calling things out when necessary is not about attacking creativity.. it is about creating awareness," she wrote. Then, she called for all stakeholders of cinema to be slightly more responsible and socially conscious in terms of film creation and consumption, as well as the amplification of cinema content. "I guess it's not about choosing between freedom and responsibility.. but having the wisdom to carry both.. Because whether we like it or not.. we are all in this together," Anasuya signed off.
The actor's post comes amidst the intense discourse over the treatment of Janhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi, starring Ram Charan and directed by Buchi Babu Sana.
